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Crepidium metallicum (Rchb.f.) Szlach.
| Family Name: | Orchidaceae |
| Synonyms: | Malaxis metallica (Rchb.f.) Kuntze |
Crepidium metallicum is a terrestrial orchid with shiny purple leaves. A native from Borneo and Malaya, this ornamental orchid does best indoors and suitable for container planting or in terrariums.
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Monocotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Herbaceous Plant |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Borneo, Malaya |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native (Horticultural / Cultivated Only) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | A terrestrial sympodial orchid, it can grow up to 20cm tall. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | It has metallic purple or dark red, shiny leaves with an undulating edge and are soft to touch. |
| Flowers | The flowers are borne on dark purple, terminal racemes which can grow up to 5 to 10cm long. The flowers are small with light maroon-coloured petals and sepals. The lip is a more intense maroon-red with a serrated edge. |
| Habitat | It is found growing on the forest floor in hilly country in altitudes of 400 to 1200m. It is also found on mossy rocks and boulders above the waterline in riverbeds, at altitudea of 400 to 1200 m. |
| Etymology | The genus epithet Crepidium means sandal or slipper shaped. The species epithet metallicum refers to the shiny metallic appearance of the leaves. |
Landscaping Features
| Landscaping | Suitable for indoor gardening, in container planting or in terrariums. |
|---|---|
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage |
| Landscape Uses | Interiorscape/ Indoor Plant |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Moist Soils, Well-Drained Soils |
| Propagation Method | Seed, Division |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green, Purple, Red |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Smooth, Glossy / Shiny |
| Prominent Young Flush Colour(s) | Purple |
| Young Flush Texture(s) | Smooth, Glossy / Shiny |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Alternate |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Petiolate |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Oval) |
| Foliar Venation | Parallel |
| Foliar Margin | Entire - Wavy / Undulate |
| Foliar Apex - Tip | Acute |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality | Bisexual Flowers |
| Flower Colour(s) | Purple |
|---|---|
| Flower Texture(s) | Smooth |
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flower Location | Terminal |
| Flower Symmetry | Bilateral |
| Individual Flower Shape | Labiate / Lipped |
| Inflorescence Type | Raceme |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 32020 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 6422 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |